Building up an Appetite in the North-West
With cattle ranching playing a significant role in the northern state of Montana, through Colorado, all the way down to Texas, meat is a big part of the menu. The countryside of these states offers fertile pasture for Black Angus and Hereford cattle, as well as sheep. A popular evening meal: Classic Beef Meatloaf. This is a recipe that’s easy and foolproof. No bells and whistles – just a few basic ingredients including beef, egg, bread crumbs, and a simple tomato-based topping. Overall, most recipes from these regions only require a few simple, but high-quality ingredients, often including beef or lamb together with a side dish of vegetables and potatoes.
The state of Idaho is particularly famous for its potatoes. While french fries and mashed potatoes are always crowd favorites, there are many other hearty dishes to explore. The starchy root vegetable makes a great ingredient for Salty Wahine Roasted Vegetables. Aside from the potatoes, vegetables and onions, this dish gets its burst of flavor from the Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salts Hawaiian Rub.
Warm, creamy, and cheesy – Russet Potatoes with Cheese lets you have a taste of Colorado. This recipe by Chef Oscar Herrera compliments the buttery texture of Colorado Russet Potatoes with a hint of spice, some cream, and plenty of Cheddar Cheese.
Flavors from the far West
The climate along the west coast is milder, resulting in more fertile soil. Due to the Mediterranean climate, an abundance of citrus fruits, olives, herbs, fruits, and vegetables flourish throughout the year. The cuisine in the far west is truly diverse, not just due to the variety of produce, but also the influences of different cultures. Aspects of European and Asian dishes can be found in some of the western states’ most popular dishes. Due to the close proximity to the ocean, freshly caught salmon and other types of seafood are often staple ingredients on the menu.
The wines that are produced in the coastal States of California, Oregon, and Washington are amongst the world’s finest wines. Red, white, or rosé – these wines can be paired with an array of savory meals and sides, but can also add the perfect touch to festive desserts.
The Cranberry Pie presented by Rutherford Ranch Wines offers a fruity new take on pie. Made with U.S. Cranberries, this vibrant cranberry filling is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Enjoy the bold dessert with a glass of Pinot Noir. Need a recommendation? The Pinot Noir from Scott Family Estates is a soft and decadent Pinot Noir with aromas and flavors of cherry, sage, ripe raspberries, and earthy notes.
The Spices of the South-West
Along the border to Mexico, it is no surprise that the southwestern states of the U.S. have strongly embraced the culinary creations of their neighbor. In California, but also in Arizona and New Mexico, dishes commonly include ingredients such as corn, beans, and tortilla. Not to mention a generous amount of spice!
An all time favorite of Tex-Mex cuisine is chicken fajitas. Want the Ultimate Chicken Fajitas experience? Prepared with the Big Sur Gourmet Cowboy Rub and Habanero Tequila Olive Oil Real, this soulful meal is absolutely delicious!
Equally delicious, but with a golden state twist, this Spicy Vegetarian Chilli with California Prunes recipe sets your taste buds tingling with so many flavors and textures.
Another vegetarian delight is made with seasoned cauliflower, which acts as the perfect meat substitute in Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos. Great for lunch or dinner, these veggie tacos appeal to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Whether you are a fan of the hearty, down-to-earth, cuisine of the North; love to discover the newest fusion food in LA and San Francisco; or are devoted to spicy Tex-Mex food, you can discover a wide variety of recipes from the west here.
